life sentence

noun

plural life sentences
: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convicted person's life when there is no possibility of parole or for a minimum number of years under applicable law until the convicted person becomes eligible for and is granted parole

Examples of life sentence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Saldívar, now 65, remains in prison, serving a life sentence. Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 The crime was found to be particularly severe, said a spokesperson for the court in Aachen, meaning the nurse has little chance of being released after 15 years, the minimum time that can be served for a life sentence in Germany. CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 That, Marcus argued, should support jurors favoring a life sentence. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025 He was spared a possible life sentence when found not guilty of the more serious charges. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for life sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life sentence was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Life sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20sentence. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Legal Definition

life sentence

see sentence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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